Share this story

Story Photos

SUTHERLIN, Ore. -- While plenty of 8th graders spend their after-school hours doing extracurricular activities, not many can say it has earned them a spot as a world record-holder.

Sutherlin student Rian Berriman set a world record in weight lifting after she bench pressed one rep of 127 pounds. She topped the previous record set for her age group of 126 pounds.

“It was a lot of hard work, but every time I would train, I always knew I was a little bit closer to getting to all of my goals and made me feel really good,” said Berriman.

Rian saw her dad training in the gym and said she’s always wanted to be a part of that.

She started competitively training in May 2012. Now the 13-year-old holds two state records and a world record.

“I was all psyched up! I was, you know 'this is it, this is the world record! I'm going to make it or break it',” said Berriman. “But it was really easy. I just did what I had been trained to do and it was... I'm really proud."

Rian trains once a week at maximum effort, allowing for seven days of recovery. She hopes to continue competing and adding more lifts as her body grows.

“I really like it. It's a great hobby, it's a great sport. I really hope I can do this until I'm a lot older,” said Berriman.

Rian said she hopes to continue making a name for herself in this male-dominated sport of power lifting.